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Dogs skipper Bontempelli provides injury update, places timeframe on return
Andrew Slevison • March 11th, 2025 10:09 am
Marcus Bontempelli says he expects to be back playing for the Western Bulldogs by Round 5.
The Bulldogs captain is currently sidelined with a “complex calf injury” sustained early in the club’s AAMI Community Series clash with Hawthorn on February 27.
Bontempelli is working closely with the Dogs medical staff and is optimistic with how his recovery is tracking.
“It’s coming along well,” Bontempelli said on SEN Breakfast.
“Obviously not ideal any way that you look at it, missing the jump this year on the start of the season.
“So far it’s progressed nicely. I’ll start to reload and get back on legs pretty quickly which is nice.
“It’s obviously going to take a little bit of time, which is the frustrating thing, but the good thing is I feel great and really confident with our team that I’ve spent a long time with from a medical perspective.
“The important part here is to get it right so there’s no issues down the track.”
The superstar says he will likely be out of action for up to six weeks, eyeing the Gather Round clash with the Brisbane Lions on April 12 as a possible return date.
“Hopefully it’s around five to six weeks (from the injury), we’re looking in that vicinity,” he added.
“Where that takes us to is probably around the Brisbane game in Gather Round, so in and around there is where we’re hoping.
“As you know these things can hopefully speed up if things are progressing nicely. This probably doesn’t look exactly like that scenario.
“So I wouldn’t expect us getting back out there before that period.”
The Dogs will be without Bontempelli when they kick off their 2025 season against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium this Saturday night.
